PDP Guber Candidate Alleges Tax Witch-Hunt Against University, Fears Fresh Clampdown

By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has accused the administration of Governor Bassey Otu of using tax authorities to target his privately owned university, alleging that the move is part of a wider campaign against the opposition.
Archibong, founder of Arthur Jarvis University, made the allegation amid reports that state tax officials had commenced an audit of the institution over its Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax records.
“It is so insulting. A state government that has not given the university even a pin is now gathering directors to scrutinise what taxes we have not paid,” he told journalists in Calabar.
The PDP flagbearer linked the development to the recent marking for demolition of the Water Board Estate residence of his running mate, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, claiming both actions were politically motivated.
“I’m next when they finish with Eba,” Archibong said, alleging that the tax audit was connected to the controversy surrounding the proposed demolition exercise. He warned the government against escalating what he described as a clampdown on the opposition.
Archibong maintained that Arthur Jarvis University had fully complied with its tax obligations, insisting there was no basis for the audit.
“Our taxes are up to date,” he said, describing the exercise as “funny” and “insulting.”
He also lamented that despite employing more than 500 workers and awarding scholarships to over 300 Cross River students, the university had received no support from the state government.
“Private universities in other states receive grants running into hundreds of millions of naira, while governments also provide infrastructure such as access roads. Here, not even a pin. Since Governor Otu assumed office, every request by the university management for a courtesy visit has gone unanswered,” he alleged.
However, the Cross River State Government has dismissed claims that the demolition exercise or any related action is politically motivated. Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, said the planned demolition is part of a World Bank-backed water rehabilitation project aimed at restoring potable water supply to Calabar and neighbouring communities.
According to Akiba, about 39 structures, including properties belonging to government officials and private individuals, were marked because they sit on major underground water pipelines that must be excavated for the project. He maintained that the exercise is not targeted at Eba or any opposition figure, adding that affected property owners would be duly notified while government considers appropriate measures, including possible compensation where applicable.
The government insisted the exercise is being carried out in the public interest and should not be construed as an attempt to victimise political opponents.